Citizen
CHESTERFIELD A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF CHESTERFIELD
CHESTERFIELD.MO.US | 636.537.4000 | WINTER 2019
New event coming to Chesterfield is sure to be a fun new family holiday tradition Don’t miss the new Candy Cane Hunt event at Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex on December 7! There will be candy canes, holiday characters, hot cocoa and fun! Hunt down all your candy canes for the holiday season. The hunt ends when all the candy canes are found. Each age group will have their own areas for their hunt. Hot cocoa will be provided during the hunt. A special holiday guest will be walking around to help candy cane hunters. Don’t miss this new tradition that is sure to be good old fashioned fun for the whole family! More information and registration at chesterfield. mo.us.
CANDY CANE HUNT December 7 (rain out date December 14) Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex 10:30 a.m. Age 2-12 Registration ends December 6 $12 through Hunt Day
We will also be accepting donations for Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital at the event. Visit https://www.glennon.org/child-life-needs/ to see what items are needed and bring your new, unwrapped items to the event. Can’t make it to the event? Drop them off at City Hall (690 Chesterfield Parkway West) or the Parks Building (17891 N Outer 40 Road) until December 7.
CANDY CANE City parking guidelines for the snowy season The Department of Public Works is responsible for the removal of snow and ice on City maintained streets, and is prepared for the onset of winter weather and icy road conditions. The City maintains approximately 176 centerline miles of public streets, and its goal is to make those streets safe and passable for City motorists. City ordinances prohibit parking on designated snow routes during snowfall events of two inches or more. Additionally, it is illegal to park a vehicle on any public street in such a manner that the vehicle restricts snow plow trucks and equipment from getting past the vehicle (i.e. cul-de-sacs or narrow streets). If your car is parked on the street illegally, it will be ticketed and/or towed. Please consider the width of a snow plow truck if it is necessary for you to park your car on the street during a snow event. Your cooperation is sincerely appreciated and will assist us in providing the best snow removal service possible.
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Mayor Bob Nation 636.537.4711 - bnation@chesterfield.mo.us Term Expires: April 2021
Council Members Ward I Mary Monachella 314.434.0471 - mmonachella@chesterfield.mo.us Term Expires: April 2020
Barbara McGuinness 314.434.7326 - bmcguinness@chesterfield.mo.us Term Expires: April 2021
Ward II Mary Ann Mastorakos 314.532.3222 - mmastorakos@chesterfield.mo.us Term Expires: April 2020
Ben Keathley 636.345.0629 - bkeathley@chesterfield.mo.us Term Expires: April 2021
Ward III Michael Moore 314.378.7142 - mmoore@chesterfield.mo.us Term Expires: April 2020
Dan Hurt 636.532.2035 - dhurt@chesterfield.mo.us Term Expires: April 2021
Ward IV Tom DeCampi 636.530.0982 - tdecampi@chesterfield.mo.us Term Expires: April 2020
Michelle Ohley 636.357.7477 - mohley@chesterfield.mo.us Term Expires: April 2021
City Administrator Mike O. Geisel 636.537.4711 - cityadministrator@chesterfield.mo.us
Chesterfield Citizen Editor/COPY & dESIGN Courtney O’Donnell codonnell@chesterfield.mo.us Paid for and published four times a year by the City of Chesterfield, Bob Nation, Mayor. Chesterfield City Hall 690 Chesterfield Parkway West Chesterfield, MO 63017-0670 Phone: 636.537.4000 Email: info@chesterfield.mo.us Web: chesterfield.mo.us
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Mayor's Message Greetings and Happy Holidays! It’s hard to believe that another year will soon be behind us. It has certainly been a tumultuous year in St. Louis County with “Better Together,” the indictment of a former county executive, and the Board of Freeholders process. Although these have been distractions, to the extent we were able, we have tried to represent the best interests of our residents, while continuing to focus on our primary mission of providing services to our community.
the Court decides, as we think they should, and hope they will, it is likely that the statute (66.600) that authorizes the pool tax would be invalidated, which would remove the countywide 1% sales tax in Chesterfield and throughout the county. There are 54 other municipalities that previously (prior to 1977) had a municipal sales tax, that could be re-imposed without going to their voters for approval. Other cities, Land clearing and construction is well underway including Chesterfield, would need to ask for at “Aventura” and “The Pearl at Wildhorse.” approval of a tax that would replace the no Aventura is a 170 unit apartment complex longer effective county-wide pool tax. located at the intersection of Wild Horse Creek and Old Chesterfield Roads. Just east of that Under the applicable statute, the maximum location between Wild Horse Creek Road and I rate that could be requested is 1%. Therefore, 64 will be The Pearl, which will include a “Ruth’s under NO circumstance would there be an Chris” restaurant, a hotel, and another 170 unit INCREASE in the rate of sales tax. The reason I apartment complex. am stating the obvious is that there have been some individuals who have misrepresented the CHESTERFIELD MALL facts and suggested that there would be a sales Although at this writing, there is no signed tax increase. The whole point of the legislative paperwork, we understand that agreement effort and legal challenge over the past five has been made for The Staenberg Group years was to allow our City to receive our fair to acquire Chesterfield Mall (exclusive of share of revenues in order to provide the services Macy’s and Dillard’s) from Hull Properties of our residents deserve. Let’s keep our fingers Augusta, Georgia. Once this is finalized, we crossed, but not hold our breath! anticipate that it will take considerable time for a redevelopment plan to be formalized and Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous brought forward to the City. 2020! STILL AWAITING SUPREME COURT DECISION ON POOL TAX STATUTE I know we have addressed this in previous issues of our quarterly newsletter, but I think it worthy to take every opportunity to educate the Chesterfield voters as to the likely effect of a victory at the Missouri Supreme Court level. If
Cordially, Mayor
CITY
Interested in running for City Council? On Tuesday, December 17, at 8 a.m., candidate filing for the Office of Councilmember, in each of the City’s four (4) Wards, to serve a two-year term, will begin in the City Clerk’s office, 690 Chesterfield Parkway West. After December 17, hours for filing during the candidate filing period will be 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Candidate filing will close Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at 5 p.m. The election will be held April 7, 2020.
Follow us on social media @ChesterfieldCH
@CityOfChesterfieldMO
Qualifications To run for a seat on the City Council, candidates must be at least 21 years of age prior to taking office, a citizen of the United States, an inhabitant of the City for one (1) year prior to the election and a resident of the Ward for which they are running for six (6) months prior to the election. For additional information, please call the City Clerk at 636.537.6716.
Holiday trash pickup CHRISTMAS DAY: WeDnesdAY, DEC. 25
Service will run one day behind throughout the holiday week, beginning with services scheduled for the holiday. New Years Eve and Day do not affect the schedule.
Don't miss the deadline to vote in 2020
We're hiring!
Citizens may register to vote at City Hall or most St. Louis County public libraries.
The City of Chesterfield is always hiring. We are currently seeking the following positions (as of press time):
The Missouri Voter Registration Application is also available online at www.stlouisco.com/ elections. The deadline to register to vote in the April municipal election is March 11, 2020.
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PART TIME CUSTODIAN
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POLICE OFFICER
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STREET MAINTENANCE WORKER
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CONCESSION WORKERS/Spring 2020
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CONCESSIONS MANAGER/Spring 2020
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PARKS MAINTENANCE WORKER
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SEASONAL PARKS FACILITY ATTENDANT
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SEASONAL RECREATION AIDE
If you or someone you know is interested in working with us, please visit https://www. chesterfield.mo.us/careers.html for more information on the positions or to apply. WINTER 2019
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Nominations for Citizen of Year are due in February Do you know someone in the community who has gone above and give freely of their time to make Chesterfield a better place? The City of Chesterfield is now accepting nominations for the Chesterfield “Citizen of the Year” award.
volunteerism, work performed on community projects, and civic contributions to the community. Preference is given to the recency of nominee’s activities and community contributions.
The City of Chesterfield is enriched by citizens who contribute to the quality of life in our community without reward or recognition. These are people who distinguished themselves through community accomplishments or volunteerism. To show the City’s appreciation and recognition of their work, the Chesterfield Citizen of the Year is selected by a Committee comprised of appointees from each ward, various civic organizations in Chesterfield, and prior year’s recipient.
All nominations are due on or before February 7, 2020. Nominations will not be accepted after that day. The online nomination form is available on the City’s website www. chesterfield.mo.us or call 636.537.4000, for assistance. The Citizen of the Year will be recognized at a City Council meeting in March, with a reception following at the City Hall to celebrate with friends and family.
Individuals nominated must be a resident of the City of Chesterfield. Actions recognized should benefit the community of the City of Chesterfield and its residents through
Nomination Guidelines • Only one nominee per household. (Nominee may be an individual or a couple) • The nominee(s) must be 18 years of age. • Previously nominated individuals are eligible
Mayor Bob Nation and last year’s Citizen of the Year, Wendy Geckeler.
to be renominated. • City employees as well as elected officials will not be considered for the award while in their position. However, after retiring, former city employees and elected officials who become service-minded volunteers in a capacity other than their previous position, may be considered.
Keep up with Chesterfield’s new developments online The City of Chesterfield has a consistent stream of development going on at any given time and makes every effort to ensure that its citizens are informed every step of the way. In 2018, for example, the City saw construction costs rise significantly from 2017 for nonresidential construction. While staff is always available to answer questions about active projects, we want to ensure it is as easy as possible for people to find the answers they need, and see exactly how projects are progressing along the way. For this reason the City has created the “Active Developments” webpage which can be found under the “Popular Items” tab at the top of the City’s website. The Active Developments page is regularly updated by City staff with details, such as dates of submittals received by the City from an applicant, communications from staff to the applicant, currently or previously 4
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scheduled meetings, and plans and/or images of the building(s), as they become available. This interactive web page allows anyone to find projects by geographic location on a map or project name, and then pull all the relevant history and details of each project. Additionally, a person can easily see where in the development process a project is currently,
such as pending review by the City, approved by the City, under construction, or completed. If anyone should have additional questions about a project at any stage, they are more than welcome to reach out to the Planner and/or Engineer whose contact information is provided under the project details.
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Stay safe in the snowy weather Driving in snow is a tough task no matter where you live. The first step to safer driving is knowing what kind of winter weather you’ll encounter. Snow is more manageable than sleet or freezing rain. If it is going to snow, will it be a blizzard or a quick-hitting clipper? You’re more likely to wreck in a short, fast moving storm or snow squall, and you’re more likely to get stranded during a blizzard or lake effect snow. The best thing to do in either case is to be proactive. Here’s how. Don’t Underestimate a Light Snow (and Don’t Panic) Most people worry about getting stranded by a foot of snow, but a foot of snow isn’t always what you need to worry about. A dusting of snow can be more dangerous than a thick blanket of it. A thin layer of snow on roads easily melts under the heat from heavy traffic. Subfreezing temperatures can refreeze the snowmelt and turn roads into a sheet of ice. The resulting ice can lead to horrendous traffic disasters. If you hit an icy patch, the worst thing you can do is panic. The second worst thing you can do is slam on the brakes. Hitting the brakes when you’re on ice turns you into a curling stone without anyone there to steer you in the right direction. You can easily lose control. The simple fact is, you can’t do much when you’re sliding on ice. There’s no real way to bring your vehicle to a stop without regaining traction or coming to rest against something like the guardrail or another vehicle. What you can do is try to keep your vehicle going as straight as possible by turning your wheel into the spin. Keeping the vehicle straight lowers the chances that you’ll regain traction when you’re sideways, which could subject you to a rollover. Unfortunately, not everybody is able to keep control of their car when they slide on ice. A wreck is bad enough. A pile-up wreck is many magnitudes worse. Each winter, somewhere in the United States, we inevitably hear about some stretch of highway closed because
dozens of vehicles got into a chain-reaction accident. If you’re ever caught in a pile-up accident, odds are high that people are going to hit you from behind. That could be exceptionally dangerous if the traffic is moving at high speeds. Sometimes the best option is to get out of the vehicle and get away from the road. However, you only want to get out if you have a clear shot to the side of the road or behind a barrier or wall. The most dangerous place to be in a pile-up wreck is a pedestrian at risk of getting hit by oncoming cars or flying debris. Don’t Accelerate Your Way Out of a Jam If you’re ever stuck in the snow or ice while driving, don’t try to floor your way out of the situation. Attempting to get unstuck through acceleration could suddenly launch you forward or lurch you to the left or right, endangering anyone outside of the car and putting you at risk, too. It’s also not good for your vehicle. It’s helpful to have a couple of simple supplies in your trunk to help you get out of a sticky situation for when you do get stuck. Carry something like kitty litter or a long strip of cardboard to help your tires gain enough traction if they become stuck. Keep a small shovel in your car to clear snow away from your tires. Don’t forget to stock some food and water just in case you’re stranded on the road for the long haul. Clear Your Car The most useful safety advice for winter driving is the one too many people ignore—clean the snow off the roof of your car. There’s nothing more infuriating after a snowstorm than to see someone flying down the road with a roof full of snow, locked and loaded like an icy gun, ready to cause an accident. Slabs of snow and ice could fly off the back of your car and hit the vehicles behind you. The snow could also slide forward when you hit the brakes, completely obscuring your view of what’s ahead. Driving around with snow still covering your roof is not safe. Invest in a snow brush. It takes a little bit of work, but it’s worth it to avoid an accident. Written by Dennis Mersereau for outsideonline.com
Driveway Apron Snow Removal Program The City of Chesterfield’s Driveway Apron Snow Removal Program offers removal of the windrow of snow which accumulates at the end of your driveway when the City clears snow from the public streets. In order to be considered for this service, an applicant must be an: - Individual who resides on a single family residential property accessed from a public street. - Individual who resides within the corporate city limits of Chesterfield. - Individual that is unable to perform snow removal activities as determined by a physician. Applicants MUST complete the packet (can be found at https://www.chesterfield.mo.us/ resident-windrow-program.html or at City Hall) and return it to City of Chesterfield, 690 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, MO 63017 in person or by mail. City crews will ONLY begin clearing these windrows on driveways after they have completed the snow removal on all public streets and at public facilities. Please note that the intent of this program is NOT to remove snow from your entire driveway. This service is only available to qualified resident owners with a certified medical need or disability. Please allow two weeks for application review and processing. City Hall hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you have any questions, please call the City of Chesterfield Department of Public Works at 636.537.4762.
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Top tips for winter safety 1. Keep pets warm If possible, bring your pets inside during cold winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure they have access to non-frozen drinking water. If the animals are outside, make sure their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles. 2. Cover up yourself When you head out into the cold, make sure extremities that are susceptible to frostbite are well-covered in warm, dry clothing: nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin and fingers. Frostbite first appears as redness with pain, but skin can become white or grayish-yellow. 3. Watch for hypothermia Another side effect of being out in the cold too long is hypothermia. If a person’s temperature drops below 95 degrees, seek medical attention. Other signs include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss and slurred speech. 4. Heat your home carefully Don’t burn paper in a fireplace and ensure your fireplace has adequate ventilation (Crack a window if you have to.) Don’t use a space heater anywhere where it can catch curtains, furniture or bedding on fire. 5. Drink in moderation Contrary to popular belief, alcohol causes your body to lose heat, not increase it. Eating well-balanced meals and warm, sweet beverages like hot chocolate will help you maintain a healthy body temperature. 6. Pace yourself When shoveling or chopping wood outdoors, take a break every 1015 minutes, as needed. Shoveling has been known to cause cardiac events each year due to its strenuous nature. 7. Pack emergency gear in your car Keep booster cables, a couple of blankets, a snow shovel, ice scraper, flashlight (with extra batteries), and high-calorie, high-protein snacks in your car. Before driving, clear any ice or snow from your windows, hood and roof. 8. Tread lightly on ice If you don’t know how thick the ice is covering a lake or pond, don’t go out on it. For ice on pavement, take slow steady steps. Whether skating or skiing, make sure you have the proper equipment to prevent injuries.
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What to do when you hit a patch of ice
Is there a doctor in the station?
After thirty years, the Chesterfield Police Department has seen its share of firsts. In fact, one would think that there would be few firsts left to experience. But not so fast! Last Friday, October 11, Chesterfield Police Detective Christopher Muench had an appointment on the Lindenwood University Campus with a group of people with whom he had scheduled an interview. At 10 a.m., Detective Muench entered the room and the interview commenced. After an arduous hours discussion and upon his successful defense of his dissertation, Detective Muench walked from the room with his head held high having been conferred with the title, “Doctor of Education.” The men & women of the Chesterfield Police Department are exceptionally proud of our first doctor on staff. Detective Muench is receiving a Doctorate of Education Degree (EdD) with an emphasis in Instructional Leadership from Lindenwood University. Detective Muench successfully defended his dissertation entitled, “Qualitative Exploration of the School Resource Officers Role in K-12 School Districts.” Dr. Muench is backed by 25 years of police experience having served the Cape Girardeau County, the St. Louis City and the Chesterfield Police Departments. If that wasn’t enough, for good measure, he spent 1.5 years in Afghanistan as a Law Enforcement Professional contracted to the Department of Defense where he served as an “Operational Mentor”.
Six of Detective Muench’s years in law enforcement were spent serving as a School Resource Officer. It was during those years that his thirst for delving further into the mission of SRO’s was born. Ever the avid researcher, Dr. Muench recognized that there was a limited body of research available to police officers and school districts regarding School Resource Officers. Dr. Muench chose to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by conducting his research to further define the role of the School Resource Officer, a job which is both complex and multi-faceted. One may ask, now that you have your doctorate, what’s next? Dr. Muench looks forward to writing journal articles, conducting further criminal justice research and serving as an adjunct professor where he can impart knowledge and share his life experiences with students who hold similar interests in becoming law enforcement professionals. Of course, he plans to continue that which he holds most dear, his law enforcement service to the citizens of the City of Chesterfield. Dr. Muench will receive his Hood and credentials at a ceremony to be held at the Lindenwood Campus in December of this year! Post Script: The Chesterfield Police Department staffs 10 full-time School Resource Officers who serve the Rockwood & Parkway School Districts.
POLICE
AARP Smart Driver The Chesterfield Police Department proudly announces a cooperative effort with AARP in providing the AARP Smart Driver Course. This is a newly updated, research based, 4 hour course. It teaches valuable defensive driving skills, provides a refresher of the rules of the road, safety strategies and tips for how to adapt one’s driving to compensate for changes that may come about with aging and/or new advances in vehicle technology. The course is taught in a single morning session and does not involve a test or driving. Fees are $15 for AARP members and $20 for others. Course graduates may check with their auto insurance carriers to see if insurance discounts are available upon completion of this course. The course will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Chesterfield City Hall in the City Council Chambers. Reservations are required. For further information or to reserve a seat, please contact Officer Chad Meyer at 636.537.6769 or via e-mail at cmeyer@ chesterfield.mo.us.
Would you like to receive text updates on major road closures, emergency situations, missing persons and more? Sign up at nixle.com! Detective Chris Muench is awarded the congratulatory letter from the Chesterfield Police Personnel Board.
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PARKS, RECREATION & ARTS
Adult Softball Spring Coed begins April 6, 2020 Men’s begins April 7, 2020 Game times start between 6:30-9:30 p.m. Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex Coed will play on Monday nights and Men’s will play on Tuesday nights. Each league is a 6 week double header league plus one week of playoffs. Teams are guaranteed 12 regular season games plus at least 1 playoff game. Coed pricing $480 resident discount (per team) $600 general (per team). Men’s pricing $540 resident discount (per team) $675 general (per team). Slow-pitch leagues for ages 18 and over. All games played under current ASA rules and officiated by certified umpires. Registration opens January 2. Visit https://www. chesterfield.mo.us/adult-softball.html for more information and to register.
Community CPR December 9, January 20, February 17 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Parks, Recreation and Arts Building 17891 N Outer 40 Road Age: 14+ Certification: $9 Informational: $6 Come and learn CPR, AED and First Aid in this informative class. You may gain your CPR Certification or just come for the information. Please note: for certification you must be able to kneel on your knees and get up in a timely manner. Register at https://www.chesterfield. mo.us/community-cpr.html. 8
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Get Active Bingo
Shamrock Run
January 1-31 Fee: $5
March 7, 2020 5K/10K 8:30 a.m. Fun Run 10 a.m. Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex, 17925 N Outer 40 Rd.
This program’s intention is to get children ages 5-14 active for 30-60 minutes a day. This BINGO board gives children many different options to choose from to get active each day. Once a participant has BINGO, they must bring their board to the Parks Department office to receive their prize. Purchase a card at chesterfield.mo.us/get-active-bingo.html
3rd annual St. Patrick’s Race. First place in each category will receive a medal. Age groups are separated by male and female and are 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 6069, 70+. Packet pick up will be March 6 at the Parks admin building, 17891 N. Outer 40 Rd., 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and race day at CVAC starting at 7:30 a.m.
Chesterfield Spring Recreation Youth Soccer League Saturdays, March 21– May 2 Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex Ages: 3-12 Resident: $72 Non-resident: $87 The Chesterfield Recreation Youth Soccer League will give area youth the opportunity to learn and develop soccer skills. This sevenweek league will take place on Saturdays at the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex. Games will start no earlier than 9 a.m. Participants will receive a uniform top, socks and soccer ball. Participants register individually and will be placed on co-ed teams in the age division 3/4 and 5/6. Older age divisions register individually in gender specific divisions. At the time of registration, participants will be able to request a teammate and coach. Coaches are voluntary and will receive their child’s registration free for the league. Coaches will need to plan on attending a coach meeting on Sunday, March 15. For questions or more information, please call 636.812.9500. If you are interested in coaching, email athleticcomplex@chesterfield.mo.us PRIOR to registering. Register at https://www. chesterfield.mo.us/recreational-youth-soccerleague.html.
Chesterfield Summer Camp May 26 - July 3 Monday- Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunrise drop off: 7 - 8 a.m. Sunset pick up: 4:30 - 6 p.m.** (new) Resident: $150/weekly Non-resident: $190/weekly **Six weeks this year! Information and registration coming in 2020 at chesterfield.mo.us and in the Spring Guide.
Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center save the dates: • Swim Team • Dive Team • Pool Pass Early Bird Pricing Registration opens on Tuesday, February 18. More information for these will be available in 2020 at chesterfield.mo.us and in the upcoming Spring Guide.
ATTENTION POOL PASS HOLDERS: This year, we will be updating our computer system and all pool pass holders, new and returning, will need to head to City Hall to obtain a new pool pass card. Thank you!
Eberwein Dog Park Membership
PARKS, RECREATION & ARTS
Registration for 2020 Eberwein Dog Park tags will open on Tuesday, December 17. Residents $45/Non-Resident $65 This 2-acre dog park offers pups the opportunity to explore the great outdoors, whether it’s running around with their friends or exploring the trees and bushes. There are separate areas for small and large dogs. The dog park is now open to residents AND nonresidents (up to 100 NR) and each dog must wear their own dog park tag. Dog tags are available at City Hall during normal business hours, please see the link above to print off the application in advance. To register your dog, you will need to have documentation that the dog has been spayed or neutered, proof of residency and rabies records for each dog. Dogs younger than four months are not allowed in the dog park.
UPCOMING SUMMER/ SEASONAL POSITIONS: PART-TIME LIFEGUARDS PT POOL MANAGERS PT CONCESSION MANAGERS PT CONCESSION WORKERS PT FRONT DESK PT CAMP COUNSELORS PT REC AIDES INTERNS
Sponsorship opportunities The Chesterfield Parks, Recreation & Arts Department hosts a variety of events and recreational programs throughout the year, bringing a community of all ages together. We offer promotional incentives to our sponsors to help promote their business in appreciation for their support. As an event sponsor, your organization will receive visibility through a variety of marketing, advertising, signage and/or media coverage. Sponsorship opportunities are limited in number, therefore, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your sponsorship as soon as possible to ensure you receive the sponsorship level of your choice that fits your needs best. Please call 636.812.9500 or email parksrecandarts@chesterfield.mo.us for more information on how your company or organization can begin sponsoring today! WINTER 2019
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Topgolf For Seniors Tuesday, Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Mar. 10, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Topgolf Chesterfield 16851 N Outer 40 Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63005 $12/per player, cash at the door.
Each player must purchase a one-time $5 Topgolf Lifetime Membership the first time playing at Topgolf. We will have dedicated bays for our group with a maximum of 5 players per bay. Players will be randomly assigned to the bays. You may purchase food and beverages on your own. Pre-registration required the Friday before event. Must pre-register at olderadults@ chesterfield.mo.us or call 636.812.9500. Topgolf will NOT take reservations, as this is a private event through the City of Chesterfield. Please do not call Topgolf directly.
Golden Lunch Bunch Wednesday, December 11 11:30 a.m. Mimi’s Cafe, 17240 Chesterfield Airport Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63005 Wednesday, January 8 11:30 a.m. Yellowstone Cafe, 165 Lamp and Lantern Village, Town and Country, MO 63017 This is a special opportunity to enjoy lunch with your favorite friends and to make new friends. It is a fun way to try different restaurants and enjoy the company of others. Each person is responsible for the cost of their own food and beverages. Transportation is on your own. 10
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Candlelight Dinner Vitamin ZZZ – The Thursday, December 12 Art of Sleep Doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. $18/per person Bonhomme Presbyterian Church 14820 Conway Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63017 *Park in their lower lot which faces I-40/64 Sponsored by Westview at Ellisville. Register at 636.812.9500 or https://www.chesterfield. mo.us/candlelight-dinner-2019.html.
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 10-11:30 am FREE, Registration required Chesterfield City Hall, 690 Chesterfield Parkway West, 63017 Ahh…vitamin ZZZZ. Join Amy Cordsiemon, St. Luke’s Sleep Medicine Coordinator, as she talks about why we sleep. How the body falls asleep and how much sleep we need. Is it lifestyle or sleep disorder that keeps us from sleeping? How do we know the difference? We might need a pillow and a nap after this presentation! Register at olderadults@chesterfield.mo.us or 636.812.9500.
PARKS, RECREATION & ARTS
Tai Chi
Wings of Hope
City Hall Chambers 690 Chesterfield Pkwy. W., Chesterfield, MO 63017 $75 for 10 session class; $84 for 11 session class
Thursday, March 26, 2020 10 a.m. - Noon FREE Wings of Hope 18370 Wings of Hope Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63005
Beginner - 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. Mondays & Thursdays Jan. 6 - Feb. 13 (11 sessions) Feb. 20 - Mar. 26 (11 sessions) Mar. 30 - Apr. 30 (10 sessions) In-Depth - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Mondays & Thursdays Jan. 6 - Feb. 13 (11 sessions) Feb. 20 - Mar. 26 (11 sessions) Mar. 30 - Apr. 30 (10 sessions) One of the most effective methods for fall prevention is Tai Chi, an evidence-based approach. Studies have shown that after 50 hours of Tai Chi, there is a proven reduction in fall risk. Register at www.stloasis.org or call 314.862.4859 ext. 24.
Valentine Bingo and Pizza Party Tuesday, February 4 at 11 a.m. Chesterfield City Hall in Chambers 690 Chesterfield Pkwy West, Chesterfield, MO 63017 Sponsored by Delmar Gardens of Chesterfield & Chesterfield Villas $5/person at the door
Men’s Roundtables 1st and 3rd Mondays. 9 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Meet at City Hall Conference Room 102/3. No registration required.
Headquartered in St. Louis, Wings of Hope started as one man’s dream to use aviation to help the world’s most neglected people. Wings of Hope provides health care access to individuals who need specialized care, primarily children with life-threatening disabilities, birth defects or chronic, complex illnesses – all for free. Join us as we visit this wonderful organization and learn about the lives they support each day. We will tour the hangar and learn the organization’s history. Space is limited, so sign up early.
Fall Meeting Schedule December 9 – Holiday Brunch 2020 Meeting Schedule January 13 January 27 February 10 - Pasta Luncheon February 24 March 9 – St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon March 23 April 13 April 27 May 11 *Special luncheons involve separate fees. For more information about LOAP, call 636.812.9500.
Senior Sampler April 7, 2020 9 a.m. - Noon Bonhomme Presbyterian Church Free event focused on adults 50+ *Screenings, aging in place info, product samples, door prizes and more! Look for more information in the Spring Parks Guide.
LOAP Meetings (Lafayette Older Adult Program) 2nd & 4th Mondays September-May Ballwin Golf Course 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. $2/person. No registration needed. LOAP offers those 55+ the opportunity to make new friends, hear great speakers, be entertained by some great musicians, and play Bingo and cards. Open to all residents in West County.
Coffee Talk Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. Chesterfield City Hall 690 Chesterfield Parkway West Registration preferred, but not required: olderadults@chesterfield.mo.us or 636.812.9500 March 3: The Truth About Aging In Place April 14: The Truth About Decluttering Your Home May 5: The Truth About Selling Your Home June 2: The Truth About Staying Well September 1: The Truth About In-Home Care October 6: The Truth About Senior Living Communities November 10: The Truth About Trusts, Wills, and Guardianships December 1: The Truth About Scams Moderated by Ted Gottlieb, a Certified Senior Advisor and Senior Real Estate Specialist. WINTER 2019
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PARKS, RECREATION & ARTS
L to R: Polly Rutherford, Sue Blandford, Mayor Bob Nation, Darcy Capstick, Laura Townsend, Jeanne Tevlin.
63rd and 64th green team partners honored The Chesterfield Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee (CCEAC) honored two organizations at City Council in August for distinguishing our community by encouraging the reduction, reuse, and/ or recycling of solid waste materials otherwise headed for landfills and enhancing natural world conservation. For 24 years Sue Blandford/St. Louis Teachers’ Recycle Center/Van Go has collected for reuse beads, buttons, board games, books, and more, at CCEAC’s annual recycling drives and Chesterfield Mall, her home
base. With Van Go she travels to schools delivering lesson plans incorporating reusables to teachers. For 10 years, Chesterfield/UPS, like St. Louis Teachers’ Recycle Center, has been listed in “Chesterfield What and Where to Recycle” flyer. Chesterfield/UPS takes clean, reusable bubble wraps, air pillows, Styrofoam packing and packaging ‘peanuts’ to insulate what is shipped out from Laura Townsend’s Chesterfield UPS. Reusing these packing materials helps to keep them in a ‘reusable mode,’ out of landfills, and off the ground as litter. Mayor Bob Nation congratulated these organizations for distinguishing Chesterfield.
First elementary youth honored for the Blue Planet’s Green Challenge At the Sept. 4 City Council meeting, the Chesterfield Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee (CCEAC) honored Rutvick Sriperumbudoor for completing CCE’s Blue Planet’s GREEN Challenge – elementary edition. This CCEAC youth program requires ‘connecting the dots’ to actions taken for ‘energy and water conservation’ by working with family members. The program was designed to help raise energy awareness in children and their families taking actions some of which involved: lighting and light bulbs; use of shades/drapes; managing TV, 12
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L to R: Sowjanya Tirunagari , Darcy Capstick, Rutvick Sriperumbudoor, Gary Sriperumbudoor, Kausthubh Sriperumbudoor.
game stations, and computers; riding a bicycle vs. asking Mom to drive a car; etc. Both the elementary and secondary editions can be found on CCEAC’s page on the city’s website under “Good Neighbor Pledge.” Any Chesterfield youth is eligible. Mayor Bob Nation gave Rutvick an Honor Certificate and congratulated him!
Invasive Bush Honeysuckle Eradication at Faust Park In October, Boy Scouts, Chesterfield Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee (CCEAC), and youth volunteers helped to eradicate invasive bush honeysuckle and other invasive flora from areas in Faust Park. This opportunity is a Boy Scouts of America’s Order of the Arrow Service Project. Most large native areas, as in Faust Park, are reviewed in order to remove invasive bush honeysuckle and other invasives. Altogether there are about seven acres of native flora at Faust Park.
Chesterfield is the ONLY NWF Certified Community Wildlife Habitat in our state Chesterfield is #9 in the Country. It took five years to achieve all the requirements from the National Wildlife Federation and this was undertaken in 2000. Each year on July 31, the Chesterfield Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee (CCEAC) must file a fiscal year report with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to keep our NWF Certified Community Wildlife Habitat in its active and continuous recertification mode. This means each year there is an opportunity for families, organizations, businesses, houses of worship, parks, large institutions, Trustees and subdivisions to take action to get their native flora butterfly/pollinator gardens certified with an application to the National Wildlife Federation. Recertification has been successfully accomplished for 15 consecutive years! Everybody helps! This next fiscal year we can count the Pfizer - Biopharmaceutical Research, Development, and Process Review site here in Chesterfield as part of our Fiscal Year Report because Pfizer - Chesterfield just achieved its NWF Certified Businessyard Habitat Garden! Congratulations, Pfizer!
PARKS, RECREATION & ARTS
Recycling Then and Now On Tuesday, January 21, 2020 Joelle Aguirre, the Manager of Municipal Sales for Republic Services, will speak on all things recycling at Chesterfield City Hall Chambers from 7 to 8 p.m. She will discuss all the new recycling rules and programming, as well as be able to answer any questions attendees may have. ‘Recycling Then and Now’ is free to attend. For more information or questions, please call 636.812.9500.
New pavilion coming to Central Park
Darcy Capstick, CCEAC, helps a citizen recycle their items at Recycles Day.
Central park will be getting a brand new pavilion through the Municipal Parks grant. The new edition will be available for summer 2020 rentals and will be located in Central Park by the Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center. The grant also allowed rubberized surfacing around the Awakening statue.
Pavilion rentals It’s going to be that time of year before you know it; outdoor birthday parties, team celebrations, family reunions! Our pavilions are the perfect place for it all. Located in Central Park next to the playground, Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center, Central Park lake and restrooms. Reservations open up on February 18, 2020. Pricing is as follows: (RESIDENT INDIVIDUALS & CHESTERFIELD BUSINESSES ONLY.) Newer Pavilion $50 = Monday-Friday $100 = Saturday, Sunday & Holidays Original Pavilion $75 = Monday-Friday $125 = Saturday, Sunday & Holidays Permits for use of the pavilions may be obtained at Chesterfield City Hall. The Pavilions are available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to dusk. Occupancy is limited to 75. For more information, call 636.812.9500 or visit chesterfield.mo.us.
Recycles Day 2019 was another successful year, with citizens recycling everything from electronics to paper and cardboard.
Composting Kits still available Composting enriches soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material, and reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers your carbon footprint. Chesterfield Parks, Recreation & Arts still has a limited amount of kits left for only $25. For more information or to purchase a kit, please call 636.812.9500. WINTER 2019
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COMMUNITY
Chesterfield Resident Spotlight: Cadettes create for their community By Gabrielle Taylor
Iva and Susanna of Cadette Girl Scout Troop 4941 recently completed a community service project in order to obtain the Silver Award, the highest award a Cadette can earn. When the girls were instructed to develop and carry out the project they knew just what they wanted to do. Over a year ago, Troop 4941 toured Onondaga cave, located in Leasburg, MO, where they were introduced to the species of bats that live inside. The girls learned about White Nose Syndrome, a fungus that can grow on a bats nose and cause the bats to wake too frequently from hibernation, fly into the harsh winter world, and likely die of starvation. After speaking to a conservationist, the troop decided to build 14 bat houses using a design approved by the Bat Conservation International organization. Through the process, Troop 4941 learned many interesting facts about bats including that bats live in the space between the bark and solid wood of a tree. They also learned that including plastic netting in the houses
allows for the bat to grip with their feet and hang as they please. Iva, Susanna, and their fellow Cadettes used several skills including hammering, stapling, securing screws, and staining, as well as patience and teamwork. They confronted challenges such as dangerous wood cutting, which was handled by Iva’s father for the girls.
skills, and independence needed for the Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouts, to be completed in high school as Girl Scout Seniors or Ambassadors. Although the Gold Award is quite some time away, the girls are sure their project will include nature and the animals that live within it. Great work, girls!
When the project was finished the girls assembled a slide presentation including the information they learned about bats and the steps they took to complete their community service project. They presented the slides and information to Iva’s younger sister’s Junior Girl Scout Troop with the goal of providing an example of the issues one can solve and the difference one can make when completing the Silver Award and helping the community. With help from the St. Louis County Parks, the Wildlife Rescue Center, and Chesterfield’s Parks, Recreation & Arts Department, Cadette Girl Scout Troop 4941 completed their Silver Award. The project gave them the confidence,
Iva and Susanna at the Parks, Recreation & Arts building with one of their bat houses.
Bits about bats There are about 14 different species of bats that reside in Missouri, but only one family of bats predominantly calls Missouri home: Vespertilionidae, or the evening bats. These bats are relatively small in size, but can vary from 30 to 130 mm and from 40 to 80 g. They are often referred to as “mice with wings” as the have simple faces, small eyes, and prominent ears. Within their ears is a membrane called the tragus. Humans have a tragus, as well, however the tragus functions differently for bats as it enhances sound definition. Their colorations include a variety of browns, blacks, and greys, so as to blend with their usual hiding places of trees and caves. Females are always larger than males and this allows for the females to obtain larger prey, put on more body fat, and maintain homeothermy (or the consistency of a body 14
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temperature). The wings of a bat connect to the side of its furry body and have a somewhat “naked” look to them. The wing membranes, or patagia, includes four distinct parts: the propatagium, which runs from the neck to the first digit, the dactylopatagia, which runs between digits, the plagiopatagium, which runs from the last digit to the ankles, and the uropatagium, which joins the hind legs to the tail. Attached to their hind legs are five toes that are turned outward, which directs their knees inward. Extended from their front limbs are four elongated “fingers”. For more information about bats, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation Website: https://mdc.mo.gov/conmag/2000/03/ missouri-bats.
The Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis) is present in Missouri during the spring, summer and early fall. It migrates south in winter. It roosts in buildings in summer.
Murder and mayhem among Chesterfield pioneers
HISTORY
By Ann Chrissos Chesterfield Historic & Landmarks Preservation Committee
George Gordon, an early pioneer of Chesterfield, was murdered as he stepped out of his house in 1809. The killer, John Long, Jr. was tried and hanged in the first recorded murder west of the Mississippi River. The crime occurred on Gordon’s Chesterfield property. Gordon was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania on April 17, 1758 to Henry and Sarah Johnston Gordon. He was the first of eight children and was well educated. He enlisted in Pennsylvania’s Eighth Infantry Battalion in 1778 and was assigned to Captain John Jack’s 2nd company. Later, Private Gordon served in Captain Thomas Johnston’s 6th company. When he was discharged in 1782, he had reached the rank of corporal. After the American Revolution ended, Gordon married Mary Prather (b. 31 Oct 1760). They had two sons, Alexander and George, while living in Franklin County, PA. On August 26, 1796, the Spanish Lieutenant Governor Zenon Trudeau granted Gordon 800 French arpents (arces) of land on Creve Coeur Creek. Gordon was required to construct and operate a mill, which he located on the east side of what is now Highway 141 between Olive Boulevard and Ladue Road. Antoine Soulard surveyed Gordon’s land grant on November 1, 1796. George took possession as soon as the survey had been certified. Gordon then sent for his wife and children and other friends and relatives from Pennsylvania. These included his sister Elizabeth and her husband Dr. Samuel Smith and Thomas Johnston who was related to Gordon’s mother. Gordon assisted the Smiths in obtaining a 450 arpent land grant on the north side of Clayton Road and employed Johnston as a tenant farmer. By the fall of 1796, Gordon had a crop ready to harvest. After President Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana territory in 1804, Gordon’s sister Mary and her husband Thomas Mason moved to the area and purchased 400 arpents from Kincaid Caldwell. Gordon’s wife Mary died in 1805. By 1807, he owned two plantations, each with a mill and cultivated fields. Creve Coeur Creek powered the mills which also powered Long’s
Mill located on John Long, Sr.’s land grant. It bordered Gordon’s property. By mid-October of 1808, John Long, Sr. died, leaving his wife Rachel and only son John Long, Jr. to battle the Land Commission for ownership of the Long property. As a widow, Rachel was entitled to one-third of her husband’s estate, which included slaves to operate the mill. All of Rachel’s property was transferred to George Gordon when he married her. *John Long Jr., who had a wife and two small children, resented his mother’s marriage and the loss of the mill and some of his father’s slaves. During the next year, Long’s hatred of his step-father consumed him until he felt compelled to eliminate the problem. On the morning of June 26, 1809, he shot Gordon with a rifle as he stepped out of his house. Gordon, 54 years old, was buried next to his first wife Mary on his property.
Approximate location of Gordon’s Mill as circled. Courtesy of CHLPC
Untamed Wilderness to Thriving Municipality and other sources claim that John Long Jr. was the son of Lawrence and Priscilla Long and that Lawrence Long only left John Jr. a pittance in his will. Upon further research, John Long Jr. appears to have been the son of Lawrence’s brother, John Long Sr. This would explain the junior after the younger John’s name and the small bequest left to him from Lawrence, his uncle. Also John Long Sr.’s property was close to Gordon’s land grant, thus making marriage to Rachel Long lucrative. Although John Long Jr.’s paternity is in question, his demise is well documented. For more information about early Chesterfield families go to: http://www.chesterfield.mo.us/historicalcommission.html
Summons for court appearance of John Long, Jr. Courtesy of CHLPC
SOURCES CHLPC archives
On August 14, 1809, a grand jury indicted Long for first degree murder. He was then tried, convicted, and sentenced to hang. The execution took place on September 16, 1809. In less than a year, Rachel Long Gordon lost two husbands and a son.
Frazier, Harriet C. Slavery and Crime in Missouri, 1773-1865, 2001. Lhotka, Bill. The Crime Chronicles: the First 200 Years, 1764-1964, 2009.
*Note: An article in Chesterfield, Missouri: from WINTER 2019
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CHESTERFIELD
Citizen
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All participants who complete the Shamrock 5K/10K, Stars and Stripes 5K/10K, and the Turkey Trot 5k will receive a special commemorative medal and shirt! Fun runners are invited to complete the series as well so sign up the little ones! Registration for the series is open until March 9. By signing up for the series you receive a discounted rate to each individual race.
5K/10K
$50 for registration into all three runs (10K only for Stars and Stripes and Shamrock, no 10K option for Turkey Trot 5k)
FUN RUN
$20 for registration into all three runs More info and registration at chesterfield.mo.us/holiday-run-series.html. Shamrock Run – March 7, 2020
Stars and Stripes – July 4, 2020
Turkey Trot 2020 – November 26, 2020